Rachel Carrington
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Facts About Me
    • Favorite Music, TV, Films
  • Books
    • Contemporary Romance >
      • Making Christmas Magic
    • Fantasy Romance >
      • The First Spell
    • Era and Historical Romance >
      • Grace's Second Chance
      • Killer Diamonds
      • Letters to Laura
      • The Gangster's Daughter
      • Trusting the Law
    • Non-Fiction >
      • The Struggle is Real
    • Paranormal Romance >
      • Keep Our Souls
      • Share Our Souls
      • Souls Divided
      • Still Hungry for Your Love
      • The Spirit Series
      • Unite Our Souls
      • Vampire Cursed
      • Vampire Forgotten
      • Vampire Betrayed
      • Vampire's Fury
      • Vampires Destined
      • Waking Up Immortal
    • Romantic Suspense >
      • Being Lovers
      • Connecting Strangers
      • Extreme Measures
      • Last Showing
      • Sweet Poison
  • Freelance Writing
  • News
  • Subscribe to my newsletter!

what romance means to me

9/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
​
​I’m single and not looking for a relationship. In fact, I write a blog that is about helping single women in all aspects of their lives. I do that because, for the most part, I enjoy being single. That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy romance. I love watching it, reading it, writing it, and seeing it with my friends and their families.

To me, romance is that special feeling of knowing you belong, that you have someone in your corner. I may not have the traditional romance of having a partner, but I do have people in my corner, friends I can depend on. One has even promised to paint my eyelids a garish blue if I cross over before she does. But then, I’ve promised to give her a clown’s grin with lipstick if she goes first. Isn’t friendship wonderful?

I’ve been writing romance for thirty-four years, and while I’ve veered off into suspense and young adult, I know I’ll never give up the wonder of romance. The journey of two souls finding their way to one another is timeless and irresistible. I can enjoy that without needing it in my life…at least not right now. 

0 Comments

Short story: return to love

9/22/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
You never forget your first true love. I never believed those words until the day I saw Sam again. And just like that, twenty years evaporated, and we were standing together by the cannons in WhitePoint Gardens.

He’d held my hand, promised we’d see each other again, but I’d known then it was a promise he probably couldn’t keep. Sam never knew when he’d be able to return…or if he could. Then he’d kissed me, just a gentle touching of our lips, and he walked away without looking back.

I’d tried to forget him. Had even moved on and gotten married, but it hadn’t worked out. For the past ten years, I’d stayed away from men because they couldn’t be trusted not to break your heart.

But there stood Sam, and my heart didn’t listen to that voice inside my head telling me to walk away as fast as I could. Then it was too late. He’d seen me.

“Victoria?” His raspy voice reached out to me across the distance between our cars. Now frozen in place, he was half in and half out of his silver Lexus.

I clutched my purse. “Hi, Sam.”

My response spurred him into action. He straightened, closed the car door, and came toward me. “Hi? After all this time, that’s what I get?” Without waiting for permission, he swept me up into a tight hug, and the moment his arms closed around me, my heart soared.

It shouldn’t. I wasn’t a twenty-five-year-old unemployed mother anymore. I’d matured and had raised two kids with lives of their own now. My heart had no business soaring because a man I hadn’t seen in two decades was holding me.

But I held him, too, breathing him in and absorbing the warmth of his body close to mine.

All too soon Sam let me go and looked down at my face. “Have you been here all along?”

“At the bank?” I knew what he meant, but I needed time to compose myself so I wouldn’t start peppering him with questions. Stupid questions like “why didn’t you call” and “do you know how worried I was about you”.

His lips curved into a smile, and I caught a glimpse of the dimple that used to make me stare. It still did. The years had been more than kind to him.

“You know what I meant. Here in Charleston. You stayed?”

I shrugged and adjusted the top button of my blouse. “It’s my home.”

He folded his arms, and the button-down shirt clung to his muscles. Still kept himself in shape. I had to wonder if he was still working for the FBI. Would he have retired by now? I couldn’t imagine him walking away from the work he loved so much…unless someone had given him a reason to.

Acting as casually as I could, I glanced down at his ring finger, but I never could get anything past Sam.

He grinned and held up his left hand. “Not married.”

My surprised gaze flashed to his face. “Ever?”

“Only to the FBI.”

“Are you still working for them?”

He’d spent most of his time undercover so many of our meetings had taken place in the dark or in some of the small towns surrounding Charleston. He had to be careful who saw him. Though it had strained our relationship, I had wanted to make it work.

“Yeah. I’m actually here on assignment right now.”

“Still chasing the bad guys?” My purse felt too heavy for my arm.

He laughed. “Actually, I’m teaching the younger guys how to chase the bad guys.”

“You’re teaching?” I wrinkled my nose. “You told me that was for old guys ready to draw a pension.”

“Who knew one day I’d be one of those guys?” With another laugh, he took hold of my arm. “Listen, I have to get to work, but I’d like to see you again.”

We didn’t know each other anymore, but I wanted to see him again. I just wasn’t sure it was a wise decision. I countered the request with a question. “How long are you in town?”

With a wry smile, he pushed my hair away from my cheek. “Always the skeptic, aren’t you?”

“Considering I last saw you over twenty years ago, I’d say I have a right. How do I know you’re not going to stand me up again?”

He lowered his hand and dipped it into the pocket of his black slacks. “Here.” He handed me an embossed card. “There’s my number. You can call me if you want to see me again.” Leaning down, he pressed a kiss against my cheek. “It was good to see you, Victoria.”
​
As he walked away, I knew I’d call. He knew I’d call.
0 Comments

Writing making christmas magic

9/18/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year, but I’ve never written a book set during the season. I don’t know why, but when the opportunity to take part in this anthology arose, I knew I wanted in. First, it got me back into writing fiction. I’d let that fall by the wayside as I’ve been focusing more on essays and articles. Writing about Ainsley and Noah’s story was invigorating and made me realize what I’d been missing.

Making Christmas Magic is only about 18,000 words, but I’ve already started writing an Easter novella that will come out next year with plans underway for a few more novellas. Maybe I’m not ready to jump back into writing full-length novels, but writing about romance during Christmas, Easter, or other holidays is exciting to me.

​I hope you enjoy Making Christmas Magic, my first book release in  2 ½ years. I’m looking forward to continuing on this new(ish) journey I’ve started. 

0 Comments

another venture

9/12/2020

0 Comments

 
Because I love to be creative and to stay busy, I started creating graphics in the evenings. I made them for my books, for other books, for ads, and more. I had previously made some premade cover art for some authors so I thought I'd give my hand at making more of those, and before you know it, I now have an Etsy shop (with my sister) for premade covers! 
Picture
We just launched the shop on September 9th, and we've already uploaded 34 covers. (I've always been an overachiever!) This is just one of my many endeavors that is both fun and relaxing. And I hope, eventually, profitable. 

So if you, or any author you know, is looking for a premade cover, I hope you'll visit our site. We're adding new covers practically every day and have a large inventory of some pretty unique covers. 
0 Comments

short story: parked in love

9/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Beth shielded her eyes against the sun and glared at the blue Mercedes parked in her spot. Not again. How could people not see the reserved sign? With a huff of irritation, she maneuvered her Beetle into the only open guest spot even remotely close to her office and killed the engine.

Juggling her lunch, insulated mug of coffee, and several files she’d taken home the night before, she held her door open with one knee while wiggling her way out of the narrow opening. The brick side of the building prevented her from walking normally so she inched her way toward the sidewalk using a half-squat waddle.

She’d almost made it to the finish line when a gray suit coat blocked her path. Blowing her hair out of her eyes, she looked up. Of course, it would have to be Daniel Haven witnessing her awkward shuffle. All 6’3 inches of dark-haired, broad-shouldered male.

“You look like you could use some help.” Without asking, he captured the files from her arms and held out a hand to help her onto the sidewalk.

The feel of his fingers wrapped around hers nearly rendered her speechless. How many times had she walked past this man’s office, hoping, praying he would look up and notice her? Now, today, when the humidity had already fried her hair and melted the makeup off her face, he decided to strike up a conversation.

“You okay, Beth?” He gave her fingers a little squeeze.

She fumbled for a response. “I…um…I’m fine. Just not used to parking so far away from the building. Someone took my spot.” The second the words left her lips, she winced. “They probably had a good reason, though.”

Daniel shifted his green-eyed gaze to the Mercedes. “I think that’s your boyfriend’s car.”

Beth tugged her hand free. “My…what?”

“Your boyfriend.” He gave her his full attention. “His name’s Stuart, right?”

“Stuart? As in Stuart Adler?” Beth gritted her teeth. “He is not my boyfriend.” He was, however, in a world of trouble.

“Oh.” Daniel led the way around the building toward the main entrance. “He said the two of you had been dating for a couple of years.”

Steam bubbled up inside Beth’s ears. Of all the practical jokes…she and Stuart had grown up together, and he’d always been a prankster. And his jokes had continued throughout their college years. But when he’d gotten hired as junior counsel at the same law firm she worked, he’d promised there’d be no more pranks. Apparently, he’d lied.

Realizing she was keeping Daniel waiting, Beth tucked her coffee close to her side and reached out her hands for the files. “I’ve known Stuart since we were kids. He likes to joke around.”

Daniel opened the door instead of handing her the files. “So maybe he wants more than he’s telling you.”

“We’re more like brother and sister. He said those things because he thinks he’s funny. Anyway, thanks for your help.”

“No problem.” He pressed his back against the door so she could walk past him. “So just to be clear, you’re not dating Stuart. At all?”

“Never. We’ve only been good friends. Of course, that may change after today.” One step toward the elevator, she realized Daniel wasn’t moving. “Are you coming up?”

“In a second.” He gave her a small smile that made her cheeks flush.

“Oh, okay.” She shuffled uncertainly from foot to foot. “Then I’m going to need those files.”

“Have dinner with me.” The words danced in the air, leaving Beth both breathless and faint.

“What? Did you…just ask me…”

“To have dinner with me. Well, it was really more a command. That’s probably how it sounded, but it isn’t how it was meant.”

Beth tilted her head back to see his face better, and she couldn’t be mistaking the slight tinge of red on his cheekbones. “So you’re asking me?”

He chuckled and ran a hand across the back of his neck. “Yeah. I would have asked you sooner, but…”

“Stuart.” She grinned, the world a bit brighter, and she didn’t even care about the Mercedes in her spot.

“Well? Will you?”

Her heart thumped so loud, she wondered why he couldn’t hear it. “Absolutely.” The word gushed out, and the tips of her ears went hot. “I meant that as an affirmative not as…”

“As long as it’s a yes, Beth.”

“It’s definitely a yes.”

Later that night, Daniel walked her to her front door, his hand holding hers. “You know, we should find whoever owns that Mercedes.”

Beneath the porch light, Beth looked up at him. “Why?”

“To say thank you.” He brushed his lips against hers, and Beth sighed.

​“We’ll do that first thing tomorrow morning,” she whispered. 
0 Comments

    Author

    My thoughts, experiences, challenges, and goals. Right here. At least once a week or so. Oh, and opinions, too. Those will definitely come in. Join me!

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    Categories

    All
    10 Day Blog Challenge
    30 Day Writing Challenge
    About Me
    Blessings
    Blogging Challenge
    Blog Tours
    Book Marketing
    Book News
    Book Release
    Book Reviews
    Bookstores
    Books To TV
    Book Videos
    Celebrate
    Celebrities
    Challenges
    Christianity
    Christmas
    Coffee
    Computer
    Contemporary Romance
    Contest
    Cover Reveal
    Covers
    Crafting
    DC's Legends Of Tomorrow
    Determination
    Discovering New Books
    Dreams
    Fan Fest
    Fears
    Finances
    Freelance Writing
    Free Reads
    Friends
    Fun
    Giveaways
    Giving Back
    Goals
    God
    Goodbye
    Grace
    Gratitude
    Health
    Historical Romance
    Holidays
    Home
    Hope
    Humor
    Inspiration
    Kindness
    Laughter
    Life
    Living
    Love
    Marketing
    Meet The Author
    Money
    Movie Review
    Movies
    Music
    New Books
    News
    Newsletter
    Office
    Ongoing Education
    Online Classes
    Past
    People
    Politics
    Positive Thoughts
    Prayer
    Promoting
    Publishing
    Questions
    Reading
    Regrets
    Reminiscing
    Research
    Review
    Romance
    Short Stories
    Sneak Peek
    Star Trek
    Success
    Suspense
    Television
    Temperance
    Travel
    Tribute
    TV
    Two Truths & A Lie
    Vacation
    Valentine's Day
    Video
    We Remember
    What If
    Works In Progress
    Writing

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2025 Rachel Carrington All Rights Reserved
  • Contact​
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Facts About Me
    • Favorite Music, TV, Films
  • Books
    • Contemporary Romance >
      • Making Christmas Magic
    • Fantasy Romance >
      • The First Spell
    • Era and Historical Romance >
      • Grace's Second Chance
      • Killer Diamonds
      • Letters to Laura
      • The Gangster's Daughter
      • Trusting the Law
    • Non-Fiction >
      • The Struggle is Real
    • Paranormal Romance >
      • Keep Our Souls
      • Share Our Souls
      • Souls Divided
      • Still Hungry for Your Love
      • The Spirit Series
      • Unite Our Souls
      • Vampire Cursed
      • Vampire Forgotten
      • Vampire Betrayed
      • Vampire's Fury
      • Vampires Destined
      • Waking Up Immortal
    • Romantic Suspense >
      • Being Lovers
      • Connecting Strangers
      • Extreme Measures
      • Last Showing
      • Sweet Poison
  • Freelance Writing
  • News
  • Subscribe to my newsletter!